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6. HEATER POSITIONING
6.1 This heater is not suitable for external installation unless it is protected from the elements by a suitable
enclosure. The enclosure must provide the clearance for installation, servicing and maintenance as well as
the correct level of ventilation. The selected position should allow for a suitable flue system to be installed.
6.2 When installed in a timber frame, building guidance should be taken from the Gas Industry Publication IGE/
UP-7 (Guide for Gas Installations in Timber Frame Housing).
6.3 BS 6798 gives details of the essential features for a compartment or cupboard where a gas appliance is to
be installed. An existing cupboard may require modification.
IMPORTANT: This system can only be used in conjunction with an indirect system application.
6.4 If the heater is installed in a room containing a bath or shower, it is important to locate the electrical switch
in a position where it cannot be touched by anyone using the bath or shower. The current IEE Wiring
Regulations (BS 7671) for England and electrical provision of the Building Regulations for Scotland gives
details.
6.5 Room ventilation for the heater is not necessary (as the heater draws its combustion air from the outside of
the building, cupboard or compartment ventilation), providing that the minimum clearances are maintained.
However, reference should be made to BS 5440 Pt. 2.
IMPORTANT: This appliance must be completely level. It MUST NOT lean in any direction. This would
cause problems with the condense draining.
7. HEATER COMPARTMENT CLEARANCES
7.1 IMPORTANT: If the heater is to be fitted to an existing base duct (warm air plenum), always ensure that
installation is carried out such that the rear of the heater is aligned with the rear of the base duct so that any
overhang or blanking off will be at the front. In any event, blanking plates must be mechanically secured and
all joints sealed.
7.2 When the heater is fitted into a compartment, a minimum clearance from the compartment walls of 3 mm
(1/8”) at the sides, rear and front must be left. Where clearances are less than 75 mm, internal surface must
be lined with non-combustible material and the compartment must be of a fixed rigid structure. However,
there is no requirement for the use of non-combustible material at the front of the unit. Consideration should
also be given to the space required for the removal and replacement of the filter tray and the entry of the
gas and electrical supplies. If gas connections are made from a side entry, a minimum clearance of 75 mm
(3”) is required at that side.
7.3 For service access, a minimum clearance of 450 mm (18”) is required at the front of the heater. Space must
also be allowed, in a compartment installation, to permit the complete removal of the heater.
7.4 In airing cupboard installations, the part used as the air heater compartment must comply with the relevant
section of BS 5864 and must be completely separated by either a non-combustible partition or a perforated
metal partition with the perforations not exceeding 13 mm (½”). The secondary flue must be a tight fit where
it passes through the partition and must be suitably protected (see BS 5440: Part 1).
7.5 In understairs installations, the compartment must comply with the relevant section of BS 5864, provided
that in addition all internal surfaces (including the base) are non-combustible or lined with non-combustible
material. This requirement is applicable only to dwellings of more than two storeys.
7.6 In free-standing installations, (see instructions packed with top closure kit), only one or two walls will be in
close proximity to the air heater; these must be non-combustible.
7.7 Where the air heater is to be installed onto a combustible surface and under-floor ducting used, a suitable
base tray MUST be used in order to provide insulation.
NOTE: where a base plenum is used, no base tray is required!
7.8 Although two permanent ventilation openings are not required, consideration should be given to the amount
of heat emitted by any ductwork present in the compartment, otherwise the compartment temperature
could increase and will affect the safe operation of the appliance and its controls.
8. DUCT SYSTEM (See British Design Manual - Gas fired Warm Air Heating)
8.1 RETURN AIR
8.1.1 A room-sealed heater can be installed without positive return air ducting, provided that the path between
the return air grille and the heater return air inlet is protected in such a manner that the required airflow is
maintained at all times (BS5864).
8.1.2 The return air grille MUST have a free area of not less than 900 cm² (140 in²). It is recommended that the
return air duct not be routed directly from the main living area, but from a convenient central area serving
the remainder of the dwelling.
8.1.3 The return air system should be constructed of fire-resistant material where used. It is extremely important
that the correct size of return air grilles and ducting is used. The return air duct area should not be less than
450 cm² (70 in²). If flexible duct is used the duct diameter should not be less than 300 mm (12”) diameter.
8.1.4 An adequate and unobstructed return air path is essential from areas not served by a directly ducted return
and to which warm air is delivered. All such rooms should be fitted with relief grilles which have a free area of
0.0088 m2/kW (1 in²/250 Btu/h) of heat supplied to the room. The only exceptions are kitchens, bathrooms
and WCs.
8.1.5 The return air duct should allow for ease of removal for access to the flue.
8.1.6 All duct work in the room or internal space in which the heater is installed shall be mechanically secured and
sealed with ducting tape.
8.1.7 If a return air duct is not to be fitted, the top of the unit must be suitably guarded to prevent blockage.